X-Men: The Last Stand

I almost passed on the new X-Men movie. Most of the reviews I read were lukewarm, at best, so I had all but decided to wait until it came out on DVD.

Boy, am I glad I didn't wait. "X-Men: The Last Stand" is terrific.

Frankly, I'm not certain what the critics who didn't like it were complaining about. The theme of most of the reviews was that it was not as emotionally satisfying as the previous two films; that "Last Stand" sacrificed depth for action.

I don't know what they felt was lacking emotionally, but I really think the series could have used a little less introspection and a little more action. That is exactly what this installment delivers.

Jean Grey could have been given a little more to do and say, but with that and perhaps one other exception, the main characters were as fully-drawn as they were in the earlier films. Better, in a few cases.

One of the complaints of other reviewers was that "Last Stand" introduced a lot of new mutants and gave them nothing to do. Most of the new ones are villains, and they do what movie villains do: they break stuff and kill people. No complaints here.

The new hero, Kitty Pryde, has a few good action scenes and some nice interaction with her teammates. Colossus, the metal man introduced in "X2," is much more involved in the story than he was last time. Again, what's not to like?

Bryan Singer, the director of parts I and II, is reported to have bailed on the production of "Last Stand" to direct the new Superman movie. I don't think this movie suffered at all from his absence.

As great as DVD is, big movies deserve to be seen on the big screen. If you like to be overwhelmed by a movie, don't wait to watch this one at home. See "X-Men: The Last Stand" in the theater, while you have the chance. I'm glad I did. And, I'll still probably buy it when it comes out on DVD.